California is expected to smash its all-time turnout record by more than 1 million voters once ballots are tallied today.
"This is probably the highest interest level of any presidential election in recent memory," said Mark DiCamillo, director of the California Field Poll. "We saw it in the primary and now, in the general election, it is really manifesting itself."
According to Field Poll voter turnout projections, 13.6 million California voters will cast ballots, shattering the record set in 2004.
Nearly 80 percent of registered voters are expected to participate in the election – the highest level since 1976. Nearly 60 percent of all eligible voters will take part – the highest percentage since 1972.
And in another state record, more voters than ever will bypass their neighborhood voting machines, instead casting their ballots by mail.
More than 6.3 million Californians – 46.5 percent of the electorate – will have voted early, most by absentee ballot.
A significantly larger percentage of Democrats than Republicans (46 to 30 percent) will cast ballots at local precincts today. Democrats lead Republicans by a thin margin in absentee voting.
Beyond the intense interest in the presidential race, increased voter turnout is being driven by a larger state population, including more residents becoming naturalized citizens.
Latino voters are expected to account for 19 percent of the electorate, up from 14 percent in 2000.
"The opportunity for a big turnout is here because of the new demographics of California," DiCamillo said.
There will also be a higher percentage of younger voters turning out. According to Field Poll projections, 19 percent of the electorate will be between the ages of 18 and 29 – an increase from 15 percent in 2000.
But the percentage of voters ages 45 to 59 is also expected to rise, totaling nearly one-third of the electorate.
"It's not just the younger voters. The Vietnam generation is also showing up," DiCamillo said. "They will be voting in force in this election."
Call Peter Hecht, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5539.
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